North Coast Brother Thelonious

This is a 9.4% ABV Belgian style abbey ale from the North Coast Brewing Company of Fort Bragg, California. It is part of their American Artisan Series, this beer supporting jazz education through donations to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (named after the famous jazz musician Thelonious Monk who appears in the label art). 

The beer pours a dark chestnut brown and ruby. There is about a half-inch of light tan foam. The aroma is brown sugar, caramel, and some yeasty fruity esters. The taste follows the aromas, sweet, fruity, with some roasted notes too. There is a definite presence and warmth from the alcohol. It has a full, but not heavy, and smooth mouthfeel, with a background tingle of carbonation. Mellow, jazzy, reflective.